Is it wrong for a Christian to enjoy life? Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 calls ordinary happiness, food and satisfying work gifts from God.
This week, Rob asks whether happiness and holiness can belong together - and how to enjoy good things without making them idols.
Sunday Rewind - each week I share a sermon from the Battle Ready Sermons archive. My role has shifted to training the next generation of Salvation Army officers at William Booth College, so I'm no longer preaching every Sunday, but God's word doesn't go out of date. These messages are here to encourage, challenge, and point you to Jesus, whenever you need them.
This week's sermon was originally preached 5 October 2021.
From old rules about “worldly pleasures” to the simple joy of a good sandwich, this sermon explores Christian guilt, gratitude, worship and the gifts of everyday life.
**Scripture:** Ecclesiastes 3:12–13
**Chapters**
00:00 Opening prayer
00:49 The old rules about “worldly pleasures”
02:44 The sacred–secular divide
04:10 Enjoying ordinary life—and worship
05:44 Why pleasure can bring guilt
07:16 Ecclesiastes 3:12–13: enjoyment as God’s gift
08:44 Can happiness and holiness belong together?
09:54 Keeping pleasure grounded in God
11:22 Receiving daily life from God’s hand
12:18 Finding joy in serving others
13:40 Creation as a window into God’s glory
15:20 A simple gratitude practice
17:50 Closing prayer
What ordinary good thing has made you smile lately? Share it in the comments.
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Is It Wrong for Christians to Enjoy Life? | Ecclesiastes 3
